O'Neill era ends at Celtic

Assistants leave
O'Neill confirmed at a press conference this afternoon that he will step down after Saturday's Scottish Cup final against Dundee United FC at Hampden Park and that his assistants, John Robertson and Steve Walford, will also leave Parkhead.

'Personal reasons'
"I am leaving Celtic purely for personal reasons and I am extremely sorry to be departing in such circumstances," said O'Neill. "It has been an honour and privilege to have served the club and its supporters during that time and being part of Celtic history. My time at Celtic has been most rewarding."

Sustained success
The 53-year-old former Northern Irish international joined Celtic from Leicester City FC in June 2000 and led the Glasgow side to a period of sustained success at home and in Europe. In his first season, Celtic won the domestic treble; a Premier League title followed in 2002, before O'Neill steered Celtic to the UEFA Cup final in 2003 where they lost 3-2 to José Mourinho's FC Porto.

League crown lost
Another championship and Scottish Cup were added to the collection last term, but the league crown was relinquished to Rangers FC by a single point last Sunday following Celtic's 2-1 last-day defeat at Motherwell FC.

Strachan in
O'Neill's successor Strachan cut his managerial teeth at Coventry City FC and has been working as a television pundit since leaving another English club, Southampton FC, in February 2004 due to concerns about his health. The 48-year-old Scot has signed a one-year rolling contract.